Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mom of four kids, three are adults and one is a 11 year old boy who has autism. I am a disabled poet who loves to write poetry and to share my writings with the world. I have been writing all my life but never took it serious until my youngest was born. I first came out into the publishing scene in 2013 then I took a break during 2015 & 2016. I just recently self-published with the help of my daughter KayCee K. six books of poetry since January. In my free time, I do on the side promotions for all writers and review books through Net Galley and WordSlinger. I am also chief editor to an upcoming e-magazine that I am rebuilding the platform with KayCee as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book I have self-published was “Wasted” this book was written during the late night hours and early mornings. All of the poems were written on my phone, which is how I do all my writing. I can really say what inspired the poems, I guess its a variety of loss love, dreams, illusions of life and most of all just wasting time in life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this counts as unusual but I write on my iPhone with a notebook app. I also need coffee while I write and my kyrptonite is noise. I hate noise when I write, so most of my poetry is written when my two adult children and youngest son are asleep. I also do a lot of meditating before I write which helps bring my creativity with wordplay to the surface.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My three biggest influences are: Robert Frost, he is my idol and the reason why I write, eat, and sleep words and poetry. My next is Emily Dickinson, she is my inspiration and my truthfulness in my writing comes from study her poetry. And last, my kids are my major influences, they encourage me to keep strong on my bad days and give me the empowerment I need to become a better person.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am between books just writing and gathering poetry. I am also in the process of planning and rebuilding the platform to my entertainment magazine which will profile and promote all types of artists, (musically, written and artistic forms).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite method is Twitter and Instagram. I do have a blog and a website but I prefer to use social media to get my books out there to a larger audience.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing daily and don’t give up! Its a tough world out there, especially for poets because there is very few that read poetry books. You need to work it, by this I mean, promote daily, write daily, and promote even more. It also helps to be open ti support fellow writers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up
What are you reading now?
Soul Ascension A Journey of Insights and Ivy Bloom by Vanita Oelschlager
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next goal is to continue to rebuild my audience and write.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Robert Frost
Emily Dickinson
Mary Oliver
Sylvia Plath
Author Websites and Profiles
JAnn Bowers Website
JAnn Bowers Amazon Profile
JAnn Bowers’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account